Sheldon Chalet

Why book?

The most mind-boggling detail of this five-room luxury lodge is that it even exists. Perched on the southern flank of Denali, the highest mountain in North America, and found within the bounds of the third-largest national park in the US, Sheldon Chalet is one of the most remote accommodations on the planet.

Set the scene

Located 10 miles from the summit of Denali (at about 6,000 feet of elevation), the lodge overlooks the Ruth Glacier from a granite outcrop. It's only possible to get here by climbing (an endeavour that would take several weeks) or by helicopter from Talkeetna. As you step off the chopper, you're met with a glass of Champagne and sweeping views of the Don Sheldon amphitheatre and the summit of Denali. In the winter, it's one of the best places to catch the riotously colourful Aurora Borealis, and in the summer, the sun hardly sets.

The backstory

Roughly 75 years ago, Don Sheldon, an adventurer in the truest sense of the word, claimed a five-acre plot on the mountain under the Homestead Act just before Alaska achieved statehood. For decades, the Sheldon family maintained the “Mountain House” – a bare bones structure with an outhouse – where those looking to stand atop the mountain could crash for a couple of nights. It wasn't until just a few years ago that Sheldon's children built the luxury lodge.

The rooms

Though it's remote (definitely don't plan for cellphone service up here), it's wildly indulgent. The five bedrooms in the hexagonal-shaped building have private bathrooms, king-sized beds draped in faux furs, and picture windows to take in the views and, if you’re lucky, the aurora.

Food and drink

While you may be in the middle of a national park, don't expect field rations or canteen fare to be served here. The Sheldon Chalet has a live-in chef who can prepare everything from charcuterie plates to king crab feasts.

The spa

There's a cedar sauna, perfect for warming up after a hike on the glacier.

The service

You don't lift a finger. The staff takes care of everything from meal preparation to activity planning (which can include igloo-building, hiking, exploring ice caves, a glacier picnic, and more).

Anything left to mention?

There's a three-night minimum stay. Arrivals and departures are weather-dependent, so cushion your flight home with an extra day or two.